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What You Need to Know to Stay Safe
The SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently issued a warning about a fast-spreading imposter scam that is tricking people across the country. At Listerhill Credit Union, we want to make sure you understand what this scam looks like, how it works, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Scammers are at it again - this time using fear, urgency, and very convincing fake documents to impersonate the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently issued a warning about a fast-spreading imposter scam that is tricking people across the country. At Listerhill Credit Union, we want to make sure you understand what this scam looks like, how it works, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.
How the Scam Works
Victims report receiving an unexpected email, letter, or text message with the alarming subject line:
"Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected."
The message includes an official-looking attachment made to look like it came from the SSA OIG. The attachment typically includes:
- A fake letter stamped "Official Document"
- Claims that your Social Security number (SSN) will be suspended within 24 hours
- A list of supposed criminal charges tied to your name
- Demands to call a phone number immediately to avoid prosecution
Everything is designed to provoke panic and pressure you into acting quickly - before you have time to question it.
What Happens if You Call the Number
If you dial the number provided, you may reach:
- A scammer pretending to be an SSA employee
- An automated message instructing you to text another number
- Someone using the name of a real SSA employee to appear more legitimate
From there, scammers try to extract personal information such as:
- Your Social Security number
- Date of Birth
- Bank or credit union account information
- Payments made by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency
These tactics are high-pressure and highly deceptive.
Important: The SSA Will Never Contact You This Way
According to Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General:
"The SSA Office of the Inspector General will never send letters like this. Scammers continue to exploit fear and confusion by using official-looking letters and real SSA employee names to threaten you and convince you they're legitimate so that you will respond and provide them with your personal information and money."
Government agencies do not:
- Threaten arrest or prosecution
- Suspend Social Security numbers
- Demand immediate payment
- Ask for sensitive information over the phone, through text, or by email
- Communicate urgent legal matters through unverified digital messages
If you receive any unexpected communication claiming to be from the SSA - pause and think scam first.
Signs You're Dealing With a Scam
Look out for these red flags:
- Unexpected messages about Social Security issues or legal trouble
- Pressure to act within 24 hours
- Attachments claiming to be "Official Government Communication"
- Requests to verify personal or financial information
- Being told not to speak to anyone else
- Instructions to pay using gift cards, wire transfer, PayPal, Cash App, crypto, etc.
- Caller ID that looks like a government agency (spoofing is common)
When in doubt: don't click, don't call, don't respond.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stop and Take a Breath: Scammers rely on urgency. If something feels off, slow down and evaluate.
- Don't Use the Contact Information Provided: If you want to verify the message, contact SSA directly using publicly listed numbers on SSA.gov - not the phone number in the suspicious email or text.
- Never Share Personal Information: No legitimate agency will ask for your Social Security number, banking details, or passwords over the phone or through email.
- Talk to Someone You Trust: A quick conversation with a friend, family member, or financial institution can help you spot red flags.
- Report the Scam: You can report Social Security-related scams at ssa.gov/scam.
What Listerhill Members Should Remember
Your financial safety is our priority. Here's how Listerhill helps protect you:
- We never ask for your online banking username, password, PIN, or one-time codes.
- We monitor accounts for unusual activity and may contact you if something seems suspicious - but we will not ask for sensitive login details.
- Our Scam & Fraud Center stays updated on the latest fraud tactics to help keep you informed.
If you receive a suspicious message involving your Social Security number or your Listerhill accounts, call us before taking any action. We're here to help you stay safe.
